BELVIDERE — Superintendent Michael Houselog expressed disappointment Monday after losing out in his quest to lead the Johnston School District in Iowa.

Located about 10 miles northwest of Des Moines, the Iowa school district’s Board of Education agreed to offer a superintendent’s contract to Corey Lunn, who has been serving as the top administrator of Stillwater Area Public Schools in Minnesota.

“Personally, I was attracted to the position because my daughter, Amy, and her family live in central Iowa very close to Johnston,” Houselog said in an email. “I was honored to be among the 90 qualified candidates who completed application materials, the seven who interviewed with the board, and finally to interview with the community as one of the two finalists.

“I wish Dr. Lunn and the school district continued success.”

Lunn has until Thursday to decide whether to take the offer.

Houselog has been leading the Belvidere schools since 2007. The district encompasses 159 square miles and five elementary schools, one STEM academy, two middle schools and two comprehensive high schools. The district has approximately 8,300 students.

Houselog’s contract expires in 2017. Houselog would have moved closer to family and seen his salary move from $197,000 to $225,000 if the Johnston school board had chosen him.

A few years ago, he was a finalist for the superintendent’s job in the Dubuque School District.

Belvidere School Board member Dan Wilson was relieved to know the district does not have to find a replacement for Houselog.

“I’ve enjoyed working with him,” Wilson said. “I find him to be a competent leader.”